Chief Paulus “The Sawmill” Powless

Teaghsweangalolis "The Sawmill", Paulus/Powless / “Thaghswoangalolis” A Chief of the Oneida people and hereditary sachem of the Bear clan. He joined and fought for the American side during the Revolutionary War, serving as a spy and messenger

Teaghsweangalolis was a Bear Clan Sachem from Kanonwalohale. He is famous for his heroic running of messages at the Battle of Oriskany, where he served under Han Yerry in August 1777.

He assisted in defending Fort Schuyler (Stanwix) in the siege of August 1777. In addition, signing the Fort Stanwix Treaty on September 22, 1788.

Teaghsweangalolis signed the act regarding the appropriation of land by New York State for use by the Oneida, Onondaga and Cayuga on April 19, 1793 as well.

He was included in the War-losses statement (of 1780) at Kanonwalohale in 1794 as Tegauhsweaungaulolis.

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Legendary Encounter

During the Siege of Fort Stanwix, the about 17-year-old Powless came upon Mohawk leader Joseph Brant, who was allied with the British forces of the St. Leger Expedition. Brant tried to convince the Oneida to surrender.

Brant insinuatingly offered him a large reward, and a plenty as long as he should live, if he would only join the King’s side, and induce other Oneidas to do so, and help the British to take Fort Stanwix. Powless firmly rejected any such blandishments, saying he and his brother Oneidas had joined their fortunes with those of the Americans and should share with them whatever good or ill might come. Brant portrayed the great and resistless power of the King, and professed to deplore the ruin of the Oneidas if they should foolishly and recklessly persist in their determination. Powless replied that he and the Oneidas would persevere, if need be, till all were annihilated; and that was all he had to say, when each retired his own way.

The two parted without conflict and Powless continued to Fort Stanwix, sneaking into the besieged fort before carrying word to Schenectady on horseback. Later they fought on opposing sides during the Battle of Orsikany.

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https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Powless

https://www.amrevmuseum.org/search?q=When%20Women%20Lost%20the%20Vo...

https://www.amrevmuseum.org/virtualexhibits/meet-the-figures-oneida...

https://oneidacastleny.com/history.php

https://collections.dartmouth.edu/occom/html/occom/ctx/placeography...